Paul Martin juggled schedules with other world leaders yesterday so
he could return home early from the G-8 Summit to
continue fighting a stubborn election battle at home.
He played both world statesman and campaigner, rubbing elbows with
the powerful, while raising issues of interest to voters back
home.
Martin met the president of the European Commission, Britain's Prime
Minister Tony Blair and President George W. Bush during a
hectic first day.
The meetings, said Martin, were hastily arranged around his schedule,
with the other leaders aware of the political fight faced
by Canada's Liberal leader.
"These are all politicians,'' said Martin. "They all understood and
had no difficulty with it. They wanted to make sure
that I could put my views forth . . .
and the schedules have been juggled.''
Political analysts suggest the summit may give Martin a campaign
lift, showcasing him on the world scene and reinforcing his
prime ministerial image.
In each of his meetings, Martin mixed international affairs with
domestic politics, speaking with the other leaders about issues that
could turn votes in his favour on June 28.
Source.
Bookmark mackaycartoons.net
